Diet for Gastrointestinal Diseases

Dietary modificationsingastrointestinal tractdisorder are designed to alleviate symptoms, correct nutrient deficiencies, and, when possible, address the primary cause of difficulty. In disease, assessment of the nature and severity of the primary gastrointestinal problem precedes targeted medical,nutrition, and other forms of therapy. Increased intakes of energy, protein,vitamins,minerals, and electrolytes are frequently required to replace nutrients lost as a result of impaired digestive and absorptive capacity. Consistency, meal frequency, and other characteristics of the diet may be altered to fit the patient’s needs. Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for all patients with diseases of the intestines must be individualized. The primary emphasis in dietary management isthe reduction ofcarbohydrate foodsthat are likely to be malabsorbed and fermented, including legumes, soluble fiber, resistant starches, andsimple sugarssuch as fructose and alcohol sugars.